Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the mystery of the incarnation. For centuries, the Church has observed not just a day, but a season of celebration; a feast of 12 days from Dec 25 to Jan 5. While Advent anticipates the arrival of the Messiah, Christmas proclaims the good news that God's promise  has been fulfilled. God has become one of us, so that we might be reunited to God. The colors of the sanctuary are white and gold signifying that the King has come and the light has broken into the darkness.